Abstract
Beta-carotene was given either intravenously or orally to vitamin A deficient rats, and the distribution of carotene and vitamin A in the body was investigated. Vitamin A value in the eyes was 2-3 I.U. even in the state of vitamin A deficiency and this value remained almost constant when vitamin A or carotene was administered. Vitamin A value in the serum and the organs, except for the liver, lungs and kidneys, after oral administration were almost the same as that after intravenous administration. In the liver, about 32% of injected carotene and very slight increment of vitamin A were found after intravenous administration ; on the other hand small amount of carotene and significant increment of vitamin A were found after oral administration. A higher vitamin A value was found in the lungs and kidneys, especially in the former, after intravenous administration than after oral administation.
